England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

No doubts for Owen

27 Mar 2006 - 08:33:46

Click To Enlarge

Newcastle United striker Michael Oweninsists he will be 100 per cent fit for England at this summer's World Cup Finals in Germany.

The 26-year-old former Liverpool and Real Madrid ace had minor surgery on Friday and is expected to return to hospital this week after suffering a setback in his bid to recover from the fractured metatarsal in his right foot that has sidelined him since the end of December.

But Owen told The Times: "I have to admit I was a bit down when the surgeon rang last week to say he was advising me to go back into hospital.

"But it was my brother who pointed out that there are still 11 weeks until the World Cup starts. I should be back in four.

"That leaves plenty of time to get my full fitness and, as for scoring goals, I have been doing that all my life and I will have all the same instincts when I am 50.

"There is always a scare or two before a tournament but, if this is as bad as it gets for England, then we should be pretty well off.

"There is just one bit of the bone that needs another helping hand and Friday's operation, which went well, should do that.

"I expect to be playing in four weeks, which, hopefully, gives me the chance to finish the season with Newcastle. The club and the fans have been great to me and I want to pay them back."